Donation helps Wesport cops beef up bike patrols

Westport police, recently given two new bicycles by a local auto dealer, plan to deploy officers on the bikes for patrols where their standard cruisers are not practical.

The value of bike-mounted officers was demonstrated during the town's July 4 fireworks this year, according to police officials, when bike patrols responded, cleared traffic lanes and guided needed medical equipment for EMS units inside the beach within a couple of minutes, despite thousands of vehicles leaving at the same time.

The two new cycles were donated by New Country Toyota, 777 Post Road East, Westport. They were presented to the department by James Tucker, the dealership's general manager. The new police bikes, along with two donated by New Country Toyota in 2008, will be used by local officers trained for bike patrol.

"The Police Department is very grateful to New Country Toyota for this donation," Deputy Chief Dale E. Call said in a statement, "especially in these difficult economic times, their continued support of the community is greatly appreciated."